Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Morocco
Morocco - ride from Boumalne to Tinerhir via the Gorges Morocco - ride from Boumalne to Tinerhir via the Gorges
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Morocco Topics specific to Morocco, including Western Sahara west of the berm
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Sep 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: from Portugal, living in Germany
Posts: 119
Morocco - ride from Boumalne to Tinerhir via the Gorges
Hello,

Is it possible to ride from Boumalne to Tinerhir via the Gorges (Dades and then Todra)?

Bike is a GSA 1150 with panniers and pillion. The travel is schedule for September/October.

What kind of terrain can one encounter?

Have the the roads been washed recently by the rain? Michelin 742 states that higher altitude roads might be closed from November to April.

Feedback will be welcomed!

Best Regards,
Luis CaBRita
__________________
Luis Cabrita, Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin '97 & Honda CBR 600 F4 '99
https://www.flickr.com/photos/148874658@N08/albums
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Sep 2010
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
I was told last week the western entry at Msemrir was closed due to track repairs - though with local help they found a way in from the north.

More news here.

After that, it all depends on the recent weather; washed-out tracks currently and hard work on an 1150 I imagine, even in the dry but easier west to east.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Sep 2010
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
The route is basically a series of three river valleys, mostly riding in (hopefully) dry river beds. Piste conditions will therefore vary according to weather conditions over the previous few months. You need to keep a look out for alternatives to wallowing around in the river beds--often there are side pistes slightly higher up.



I designate this as a technical route but in good conditions it could be tackled by novices, accompanied by more experienced riders, so long as they are not carrying luggage. If you have offroad experience you might well be OK but there will be spots where it will be a good idea for your pillion to get off and walk.

I never have used the entry point Chris describes in MH3 at km 2.3, I've always gone in further north at N31 43.039 W5 48.208

I last did this a couple of months ago--met a Swiss couple on an Africa Twin sidecar combo halfway along, then a small group of Landy owners (ProTrax) that I knew--and and it took just 2.5 hours. But this is a real Jekyll and Hyde piste, on another occasion it took more than 12 hours, the last six by moonlight.

Tim
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Sep 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Posts: 12
Hi,

This request was made for me by my friend CaBRita.

By the comment "Jekyll and Hyde piste" and "more than 12 hours, the last six by moonlight" I think I should go and visit both Todra and Dades by the tarmac road!

My idea is to have a 10 days vacation with my wife and my lover (1150GSA)

I wanted to do a bit of offroad near the "Gorges" and Ait Ben Haddou...

...:confused1:

Thanks,
__________________
TTAlmeida
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Sep 2010
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
Forget Gorge to Gorge, all you'll do is break something.

In my opinion a much more spectacular ride - weather permitting of course - is up from Dades beyond Msemrir as far as you can, like or dare - all the way to Agoudal even. And if the sun is still shining, come back via Ait Hani and down via Tamtatouche to Tinerhir. About 30-40% piste or less.

A long day out and a real adventure. Gorge to Gorge can be an MX track and for what? There are so many better pistes in Mk.

Sat image here

For a fantastic road ride with the Mrs, head down from Ouarzazate to Foum Zquid via Tazenacht.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Sep 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Posts: 12
This is it... "For a fantastic road ride with the Mrs"

Please Give me your advise!

Thanks!
__________________
TTAlmeida
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Sep 2010
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
The piste that goes from 6km north of Ait Benhaddou to Anmiter (and then tarmac via Telouet to the Tizi n'Tichka) will probably be OK for you.

I've done it twice this year. It's in the process of being graded and balasted. There might still be some rough points but it's a better bet than the gorge link piste.

The Glaoui Kasbah at Telouet is well worth a visit especially if you are interested in the Lords of the Atlas history.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 3 Sep 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Posts: 12
Hi,

It's done (I hope...)!!!

Day 1
Lisbon-Chefchouen
Day 2
Chefchouen-Meknes-Fez
Day 3
Fez-Azrou-Eroud-Merzouga
Day 4
Merzouga Erg Chebbi
Day 5
Merzouga-Tinghir-Imilchil-Boumalne (Chris Scott track in reverse)
Day 6
Boumalne-Ouarzazate
Day 7
Ouarzazate-Ait Benhaddou-Anmiter...(Tim Cullis tip)

Thanks a lot!

If any of you as a new recommendation...I would appreciate!

Kind Regards,
__________________
TTAlmeida
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 3 Sep 2010
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
Imilchil to Msemrir is much easier than the gorge link piste.

Some notes on the route: in good conditions it is suitable for riders/drivers with no technical expertise, however be aware that in poor conditions, particularly after strong rains, this may no longer be the case. There are four specific area that can become more difficult—a lateral ford 800m long at km43, a potentially muddy uphill stretch at km49, a boggy area at km54, and a sometimes deep ford at km76.

There's also a long uphill climb across an exposed slope starting at km 58 to the Tizi n'Ouano (2919m) that at one time had a lot of loose stones but this was fairly clear in June.

All distances measured from the Inov fuel station in Imilchil. Generally keep to the left in the long lateral ford. If it's been dry weather there won't be much water.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Last edited by Tim Cullis; 4 Sep 2010 at 09:48.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 6 Sep 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Posts: 12
Hi,

Justo to finish the route...

Day 7
Ouarzazate-Ait Benhaddou-Anmiter...(Tim Cullis tip)-Marrakech
Day 8
Marrakech
Day 9
Marrakech-Casablanca-Rabat-Tangier-Tarifa
Day 10
Tarifa-Back HOME!!!

I would like to ask "one final" thing...In this route I would like to know wich are the best places to sleep, price versus quality!? :confused1:

Thanks a Lot!!!

I wish I was allready in the ferry...

Cheers!
__________________
TTAlmeida
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 6 Sep 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 9
Landy Group
Hi Tim

After leaving you we had a great trip through Dades, some interesting driving and very glad the river was dry. Hope to do it again in October with a larger group, conditions permitting. Have another thread out there looking for information about camping at Assa. Hope to travel from Tata to Assa, camp overnight and then head for the coast near Tantan. Any info on Assa area much appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 7 Sep 2010
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
Oh well, some pics then...





And the Africa Twin combo

__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 9 Sep 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Alentejo
Posts: 72
Hi all

You also can start with a piste from Hamza/Emza to Chaouen. It starts after Tetouan, at km 20,6 on the road to Oued Laou and goes straight to the old spanish dam. Nice spots for bivouac.
Thanks to Tim for your pictures!

Rui.
Portugal
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 9 Sep 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Posts: 12
Hi,

Rui do you think is a ride for the Mrs?

With a 1150GSA panniers and pilion?

How many kms is this track?

Thanks,
__________________
TTAlmeida
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 9 Sep 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Alentejo
Posts: 72
Hi TTAlmeida,

if you send me an e-mail I will send you the road-book ("work in progress" version)
It´s +/- 50 km Tetouan - Caiat and 90 km Caiat - Chefchaouen.
I will do it next October on GSA 1200 with panniers.

Inch' Allah
"Prognósticos só no final."
Rui.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
First big ride for UNICEF (kids of Morocco) jeanied1 Make a Difference 5 6 Sep 2010 14:26
Alternatives to Todre and Dades Gorges Cugel North Africa 7 1 Sep 2005 21:37
Morocco - ride reports and downloads... Tomas W North Africa 1 7 Dec 2004 01:55
Anyone need a ride in Morocco?Aug. 2001 Paul Whitlock North Africa 0 19 Jul 2001 23:38
Need a ride to Mauritania via Morocco bidii North Africa 1 2 May 2001 05:27

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:29.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top